Criminal Behavior Certificate

The online Criminal Behavior Certificate explores the complex nature of crime and the factors that contribute to criminal behavior. This online certificate introduces students to different theories on the pathways and motivations leading to criminal behavior in general and within specific groups. Special topics include gender and domestic violence, illegal drug use during pregnancy, juvenile delinquency youth substance use and school violence.

Students who select the online Criminal Behavior Certificate will learn how factors like community, culture, poverty, race, age, gender, family, personality, mental illness, psychopathy and biological factors contribute to the complexities of criminal behavior. This will help prepare students to make meaningful contributions in a variety of careers that involve preventing or responding to criminal behavior.

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Criminal Behavior Certificate Courses

The certificate must be earned concurrently with a bachelor's degree starting with the 2024 - 2025 catalog. This is not required for older catalogs. Students on older catalogs may update to the 2024 - 2025 catalog, but additional bachelor's degree requirements may apply.

The certificate requires the completion of six courses (24 credits). You may complete the courses in any order. Each course must be taken for a letter grade (not pass/no pass) and completed with a grade of "C-" or higher.

A maximum of 4 applicable transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution may be applied towards the requirements of the certificate.  Students must submit a CCJ Online substitution petition to seek approval for transfer credit.

• CCJ 303 Punishment and Corrections - 4 credits

• CCJ 305 Juvenile Justice Reform - 4 credits

• CCJ 312 Criminal Behavior - 4 credits

• CCJ 320U Theories of Crime & Justice - 4 credits

• CCJ 370U Women, Crime and Justice - 4 credits

• CCJ 304 Crime and the Media - 4 credits

View course descriptions & annual academic calendar here.

Computer Requirements

To complete the certificate, you will need specific hardware and software. View the Online Learning System Requirements for CCJ Online Degree and Certificate Programs (PDF).

Certificate Completion Starting with 2024-2025 Catalog

Students seeking undergraduate credentials must apply for the bachelor's degree and any certificate/s two terms in advance of your expected graduation term. One application is submitted for all credentials being earned at the same time.

See the CCJO Graduation Information webpage for more details. 

Undergraduate-level certificates are issued by PSU at the time of bachelor's degree completion. The certificate credential appears on the PSU transcript.

Certificate Completion for 2023-2024 Catalog or Older

When you have successfully completed all six courses, you must submit this certificate application. There is no deadline or fee for this application. Once your application has been received and certificate completion verified, you will receive your certificate of completion in the mail within one academic term. You'll receive an email when it's on its way to you.

Criminal Behavior for 2023 - 2024 catalogs or older is a departmental-level certificate issued by the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice. The certificate credential does not appear on PSU student records; the courses do.  The CCJ Online program maintains records of departmental certificate completion and can provide official verification upon request.

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